The Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State is mourning the death of its President-General, Pa James Oghoroko, who reportedly died in military detention.
Oghoroko, arrested by the Nigerian military in August 2024, allegedly succumbed to torture and inhumane treatment while in custody.
Oghoroko, along with other community leaders—including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata—was detained between August 18 and 20, following the demolition of parts of the Okuama community. The military action came in response to the killing of 17 soldiers.
During an emergency community meeting, Okuama leaders disclosed the tragic news, adding that another detained leader, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, is in critical condition at an undisclosed military facility.
Reacting to the development, the community’s lead counsel, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN), expressed shock and pledged to meet with Oghoroko’s family to determine the next legal steps.
The Okuama community had previously taken legal action against the military over the destruction of their community and the detention of their leaders. The cases, filed under Suit Nos. FHC/WR/CS/41/2024, FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, and FHC/WR/CS/43/2024, have since been consolidated at the Federal High Court in Warri. The court, during its last sitting on November 20, 2024, adjourned the bail hearing for the detained leaders to December 9, 2024.
Oghoroko’s death has intensified calls for accountability and justice from the community and legal representatives.
